News Article

Five things we learned from I-League round 3

There was plenty to talk about from another fascinating matchday in the I-League...

1. Lajong lack cutting edge in front of goal

The Meghalaya-based club had started their I-League campaign disastrously against Bengaluru FC earlier this month. They continue to be dragged into the relegation scrap as Thangboi Singto’s men have now lost in all three of their opening games this season. In all the three games they have played, they have only scored one goal and have wasted potential chances on numerous occasions. The forwards have wasted their fair share of chances, however, their midfield has seemed to be non-existent at times which has resulted in a lack of supply upfront to the forwards. The Reds also lack a clinical striker of proven quality. If they are to turn their season around an upswing in the form of foreign recruits Fabio Pena and Aser Dipanda Dika will be key.

2. Amnah is the key to Aizawl’s success this season

Aizawl FC have had a fine start to the season. With two wins and a draw in their first three matches, Aizawl sit comfortably in fourth position in the I-League standings. Mahmoud Al Amnah, who has been a constant performer for the club in these games has already started to steal the limelight. The attacking midfielder has shown superiority in all the games he has played. His passing ability, vision and movement have made him the team's linchpin in midfield.

3. Shivajians must build on their first win

Shivajians must build on their first success.

The Pune-based club have started their I-League campaign quite unimpressively but managed to grab their first win of the season against newcomers Chennai City on Tuesday. With their first win under their belt, it is still possible for Dave Rogers' men to build a strong season with a considerable amount of success if they perform well in their upcoming games. Shivajians played a more direct brand of football against Chennai, which could produce results if persisted with against their forthcoming opponents. Considering the fact they are scheduled to play against Mohun Bagan in the following week after they play against a comparatively weaker Churchill Brothers outfit in the next match, they must buckle up for the rest of the season.

4. Vineeth form a timely boost for Bengaluru

The defending champions yet again put on a mesmerizing show against Mumbai FC yesterday when they thrashed Santosh Kashyap’s men 3-0. Bengaluru’s 28-year old striker CK Vineeth scored a hat-trick as his team romped to their thrid successive win. The Blues had been efficient in their two previous wins without getting out of second gear. But, with big games against the two Kolkata clubs coming up, Vineeth's form with four goals in his last two games, is a timely boost for the AFC Cup finalists from last year.

5. Churchill show lack of leadership in crisis situation

Alfred Fernandes and Churchill Brothers managed to keep their record intact with yet another loss against East Bengal yesterday. In all the I-League games the Red Machines have played, a lack of leadership in the team has been evident. Every time they have lost this season, the team looked clueless on the field and could not execute a proper gameplan. The have had spells of dominance in games, but have not been able to convert them into an advantage. Moreover, when trailing in a game, they have shown no intent to get back into it. The Goan outfit need to turn around their resuts soon before the season flies past them.